Detection of parallel operating Wi-Fi networks

ABSTRACT

Systems and methods of detecting a parallel Wi-Fi network or a parallel Wi-Fi access point include operating a new Wi-Fi network at a location; analyzing Wi-Fi at the location; determining whether there is a parallel Wi-Fi network or a parallel Wi-Fi access point operating at the location with the new Wi-Fi network based on the analyzing; and, responsive to determining there is the parallel Wi-Fi network or the parallel Wi-Fi access point at the location, performing one or more of i) causing resolution of the parallel Wi-Fi network or the parallel Wi-Fi access point and ii) providing a notification to a user associated with the location.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

The present disclosure is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser.No. 17/078,196, filed Oct. 23, 2022, the contents of which areincorporated by reference in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure generally relates to networking systems andmethods. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to detectionof parallel operating Wi-Fi networks.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Conventional Wi-Fi networks are deployed by users in their residences toprovide network connectivity to various devices (e.g., mobile devices,tablets, televisions, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, laptops, mediaplayers, and the like). The users obtain network connectivity from theirservice provider, e.g., Multiple Systems Operators (MSOs), wirelessproviders, telecom providers, etc. Often the users have an existingWi-Fi network and add a new, upgraded Wi-Fi network to improvefunctionality.

The existing Wi-Fi network can include Wi-Fi that is integrated into amodem/router/gateway from the service provider. When the new, upgradedWi-Fi network is added, it is common to use the same Service SetIdentifier (SSID) so that the user does not have to change the Wi-Ficonfiguration of various Wi-Fi client devices. For example, a typicalhome can have tens of devices that connect, and changing the SSID foreach of these is far more complicated than keeping the same SSID whenupgrading Wi-Fi equipment. Problematically, users often do notdecommission or turn of the existing Wi-Fi network. This is especiallycommon where the existing Wi-Fi network is integrated into themodem/router/gateway from the service provider. This leads to a parallelWi-Fi network with the same SSID operating in the same location.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates to detection of parallel operating Wi-Finetworks. Specifically, the objective is to identify parallel operatingWi-Fi networks to remove one of the networks to improve performance. Thepresent disclosure includes cloud-based Wi-Fi network management thatcan include various processes to detect parallel Wi-Fi networks. Oncedetected, a customer can be notified with instructions on how to removethe parallel Wi-Fi network, leading to improved performance on theremaining Wi-Fi network. Examples of parallel networks include aso-called “evil twin” which is another Wi-Fi network, operating inparallel, with the same SSID; a so-called “evil brother” which isanother Wi-Fi network, operating in parallel, with a different SSID; anda so-called “lonely network” which is a new Wi-Fi network with zero orvery few clients, presumably because many other devices are on aparallel network.

In various embodiments, the present disclosure includes a methodincluding steps, a controller configured to implement the steps, and anon-transitory computer-readable medium with instructions that cause aprocessor to perform the steps. The steps relate to detecting a parallelWi-Fi network or a parallel Wi-Fi access point. The steps include,subsequent to installing a new Wi-Fi network at a location, detectingwhether there is a parallel Wi-Fi network or a parallel Wi-Fi accesspoint operating at the location with the new network; and, responsive todetecting the parallel Wi-Fi network or the parallel Wi-Fi access pointoperating, performing one or more of causing resolution of the parallelWi-Fi network or the parallel Wi-Fi access point and providing anotification to a user associated with the location based on thedetecting.

The steps can further include determining a type of the parallel Wi-Finetwork or the parallel Wi-Fi access point, wherein the resolution isbased on the type and the notification includes the type. The steps canfurther include performing the detecting responsive to any ofinterference, initial turn up of the new Wi-Fi network, and anycommunication from the user including a phone call, a mobile applicationmessage to customer support, an email message, a response to a survey,and an in-person communication with an on-site technician. The steps canfurther include performing the detecting responsive to detecting the newWi-Fi network has zero or very few Wi-Fi client devices connectedthereto, presumably because the Wi-Fi client devices are on the parallelWi-Fi network or the parallel Wi-Fi access point.

The notification can include details for the user to turn off theparallel Wi-Fi network or the parallel Wi-Fi access point. Thenotification can include details for the user to remove profiles for theparallel Wi-Fi network or the parallel Wi-Fi access point in Wi-Ficlient devices at the location. The resolution can include disabling theparallel Wi-Fi network or the parallel Wi-Fi access point remotely. Theresolution can include notifying a service provider of the user to causedisabling the parallel Wi-Fi network or the parallel Wi-Fi access point.Subsequent to the performing, repeating the detecting to determine ifthe parallel Wi-Fi network or the parallel Wi-Fi access point remain.

The steps can further include providing a dashboard that displayslocations where the parallel Wi-Fi network or the parallel Wi-Fi accesspoint have been detected. The steps can further include causinginitiation of support for a service provider based on the detecting.

The parallel Wi-Fi network or the parallel Wi-Fi access point can have asame Service Set Identifier (SSID) or a different SSID as the newnetwork. The detecting can be based on an access point in the new Wi-Finetwork detecting another access point that is not part of the new Wi-Finetwork but that has the same SSID. The detecting can be based ondetecting Wi-Fi client devices disappearing and reappearing on the newWi-Fi network, factoring whether those Wi-Fi client devices are mobileor non-mobile devices. The detecting can be based on a combination of anaccess point in the new Wi-Fi network detecting another access pointthat is not part of the new Wi-Fi network but that has the same SSID,and detecting Wi-Fi client devices disappearing and reappearing on thenew Wi-Fi network, with at least some of the Wi-Fi client devices beingnon-mobile devices.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present disclosure is illustrated and described herein withreference to the various drawings, in which like reference numbers areused to denote like system components/method steps, as appropriate, andin which:

FIG. 1 is a network diagram of a distributed Wi-Fi system withcloud-based control and management;

FIG. 2 is a network diagram of differences in the operation of thedistributed Wi-Fi system of FIG. 1 relative to a conventional singleaccess point system, a Wi-Fi mesh network, and a Wi-Fi repeater network;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of functional components of the access point;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of functional components of the server, theWi-Fi client device, or the user device; and

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a parallel network detection and resolutionprocess.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates to detection of parallel operating Wi-Finetworks. Specifically, the objective is to identify parallel operatingWi-Fi networks to remove one of the networks to improve performance. Thepresent disclosure includes cloud-based Wi-Fi network management thatcan include various processes to detect parallel Wi-Fi networks. Oncedetected, a customer can be notified with instructions on how to removethe parallel Wi-Fi network, leading to improved performance on theremaining Wi-Fi network. Examples of parallel networks include aso-called “evil twin” which is another Wi-Fi network, operating inparallel, with the same SSID; a so-called “evil brother” which isanother Wi-Fi network, operating in parallel, with a different SSID; anda so-called “lonely network” which is a new Wi-Fi network with zero orvery few clients, presumably because many other devices are on aparallel network.

Distributed Wi-Fi System

FIG. 1 is a network diagram of a distributed Wi-Fi system 10 withcontrol via a cloud 12 service. The distributed Wi-Fi system 10 canoperate in accordance with the IEEE 802.11 protocols and variationsthereof. The distributed Wi-Fi system 10 includes a plurality of accesspoints 14 (labeled as access points 14A-14H), which can be distributedthroughout a location, such as a residence, office, or the like. Thatis, the distributed Wi-Fi system 10 contemplates operation in anyphysical location where it is inefficient or impractical to service witha single access point, repeaters, or a mesh system. As described herein,the distributed Wi-Fi system 10 can be referred to as a network, asystem, a Wi-Fi network, a Wi-Fi system, a cloud-based system, etc. Theaccess points 14 can be referred to as nodes, access points, Wi-Finodes, Wi-Fi access points, etc. The objective of the access points 14is to provide network connectivity to Wi-Fi client devices 16 (labeledas Wi-Fi client devices 16A-16E). The Wi-Fi client devices 16 can bereferred to as client devices, user devices, clients, Wi-Fi clients,Wi-Fi devices, etc.

In a typical residential deployment, the distributed Wi-Fi system 10 caninclude between 3 to 12 access points or more in a home. A large numberof access points 14 (which can also be referred to as nodes in thedistributed Wi-Fi system 10) ensures that the distance between anyaccess point 14 is always small, as is the distance to any Wi-Fi clientdevice 16 needing Wi-Fi service. That is, an objective of thedistributed Wi-Fi system 10 can be for distances between the accesspoints 14 to be of similar size as distances between the Wi-Fi clientdevices 16 and the associated access point 14. Such small distancesensure that every corner of a consumer's home is well covered by Wi-Fisignals. It also ensures that any given hop in the distributed Wi-Fisystem 10 is short and goes through few walls. This results in verystrong signal strengths for each hop in the distributed Wi-Fi system 10,allowing the use of high data rates, and providing robust operation.Note, those skilled in the art will recognize the Wi-Fi client devices16 can be mobile devices, tablets, computers, consumer electronics, homeentertainment devices, televisions, IoT devices, or any network-enableddevice. For external network connectivity, one or more of the accesspoints 14 can be connected to a modem/router 18, which can be a cablemodem, Digital Subscriber Loop (DSL) modem, or any device providingexternal network connectivity to the physical location associated withthe distributed Wi-Fi system 10.

While providing excellent coverage, a large number of access points 14(nodes) presents a coordination problem. Getting all the access points14 configured correctly and communicating efficiently requirescentralized control. This cloud 12 service can provide control viaservers 20 that can be reached across the Internet and accessedremotely, such as through an application (“app”) running on a userdevice 22. The running of the distributed Wi-Fi system 10, therefore,becomes what is commonly known as a “cloud service.” The servers 20 areconfigured to receive measurement data, to analyze the measurement data,and to configure the access points 14 in the distributed Wi-Fi system 10based thereon, through the cloud 12. The servers 20 can also beconfigured to determine which access point 14 each of the Wi-Fi clientdevices 16 connect (associate) with. That is, in an example aspect, thedistributed Wi-Fi system 10 includes cloud-based control (with acloud-based controller or cloud service in the cloud) to optimize,configure, and monitor the operation of the access points 14 and theWi-Fi client devices 16. This cloud-based control is contrasted with aconventional operation that relies on a local configuration, such as bylogging in locally to an access point. In the distributed Wi-Fi system10, the control and optimization does not require local login to theaccess point 14, but rather the user device 22 (or a local Wi-Fi clientdevice 16) communicating with the servers 20 in the cloud 12, such asvia a disparate network (a different network than the distributed Wi-Fisystem 10) (e.g., LTE, another Wi-Fi network, etc.).

The access points 14 can include both wireless links and wired links forconnectivity. In the example of FIG. 1 , the access point 14A has anexample gigabit Ethernet (GbE) wired connection to the modem/router 18.Optionally, the access point 14B also has a wired connection to themodem/router 18, such as for redundancy or load balancing. Also, theaccess points 14A, 14B can have a wireless connection to themodem/router 18. The access points 14 can have wireless links for clientconnectivity (referred to as a client link) and for backhaul (referredto as a backhaul link). The distributed Wi-Fi system 10 differs from aconventional Wi-Fi mesh network in that the client links and thebackhaul links do not necessarily share the same Wi-Fi channel, therebyreducing interference. That is, the access points 14 can support atleast two Wi-Fi wireless channels—which can be used flexibly to serveeither the client link or the backhaul link and may have at least onewired port for connectivity to the modem/router 18, or for connection toother devices. In the distributed Wi-Fi system 10, only a small subsetof the access points 14 require direct connectivity to the modem/router18 with the non-connected access points 14 communicating with themodem/router 18 through the backhaul links back to the connected accesspoints 14.

Distributed Wi-Fi System Compared to Conventional Wi-Fi Systems

FIG. 2 is a network diagram of differences in the operation of thedistributed Wi-Fi system 10 relative to a conventional single accesspoint system 30, a Wi-Fi mesh network 32, and a Wi-Fi repeater network33. The single access point system 30 relies on a single, high-poweredaccess point 34, which may be centrally located to serve all Wi-Ficlient devices 16 in a location (e.g., house). Again, as describedherein, in a typical residence, the single access point system 30 canhave several walls, floors, etc. between the access point 34 and theWi-Fi client devices 16. Plus, the single access point system 30operates on a single channel, leading to potential interference fromneighboring systems. The Wi-Fi mesh network 32 solves some of the issueswith the single access point system 30 by having multiple mesh nodes 36,which distribute the Wi-Fi coverage. Specifically, the Wi-Fi meshnetwork 32 operates based on the mesh nodes 36 being fullyinterconnected with one another, sharing a channel such as a channel Xbetween each of the mesh nodes 36 and the Wi-Fi client device 16. Thatis, the Wi-Fi mesh network 32 is a fully interconnected grid, sharingthe same channel, and allowing multiple different paths between the meshnodes 36 and the Wi-Fi client device 16. However, since the Wi-Fi meshnetwork 32 uses the same backhaul channel, every hop between sourcepoints divides the network capacity by the number of hops taken todeliver the data. For example, if it takes three hops to stream a videoto a Wi-Fi client device 16, the Wi-Fi mesh network 32 is left with only⅓ the capacity. The Wi-Fi repeater network 33 includes the access point34 coupled wirelessly to a Wi-Fi repeater 38. The Wi-Fi repeater network33 is a star topology where there is at most one Wi-Fi repeater 38between the access point 14 and the Wi-Fi client device 16. From achannel perspective, the access point 34 can communicate to the Wi-Firepeater 38 on a first channel, Ch. X, and the Wi-Fi repeater 38 cancommunicate to the Wi-Fi client device 16 on a second channel, Ch. Y.

The distributed Wi-Fi system 10 solves the problem with the Wi-Fi meshnetwork 32 of requiring the same channel for all connections by using adifferent channel or band for the various hops (note, some hops may usethe same channel/band, but it is not required), to prevent slowing downthe Wi-Fi speed. For example, the distributed Wi-Fi system 10 can usedifferent channels/bands between access points 14 and between the Wi-Ficlient device 16 (e.g., Chs. X, Y, Z, A), and also, the distributedWi-Fi system 10 does not necessarily use every access point 14, based onconfiguration and optimization by the cloud 12. The distributed Wi-Fisystem 10 solves the problems of the single access point system 30 byproviding multiple access points 14. The distributed Wi-Fi system 10 isnot constrained to a star topology as in the Wi-Fi repeater network 33,which at most allows two wireless hops between the Wi-Fi client device16 and a gateway. Also, the distributed Wi-Fi system 10 forms a treetopology where there is one path between the Wi-Fi client device 16 andthe gateway, but which allows for multiple wireless hops, unlike theWi-Fi repeater network 33.

Wi-Fi is a shared, simplex protocol meaning only one conversationbetween two devices can occur in the network at any given time, and ifone device is talking the others need to be listening. By usingdifferent Wi-Fi channels, multiple simultaneous conversations can happensimultaneously in the distributed Wi-Fi system 10. By selectingdifferent Wi-Fi channels between the access points 14, interference andcongestion are avoided. The server 20 through the cloud 12 automaticallyconfigures the access points 14 in an optimized channel hop solution.The distributed Wi-Fi system 10 can choose routes and channels tosupport the ever-changing needs of consumers and their Wi-Fi clientdevices 16. The distributed Wi-Fi system 10 approach is to ensure Wi-Fisignals do not need to travel far—either for backhaul or clientconnectivity. Accordingly, the Wi-Fi signals remain strong and avoidinterference by communicating on the same channel as in the Wi-Fi meshnetwork 32 or with Wi-Fi repeaters. In an example aspect, the servers 20in the cloud 12 are configured to optimize channel selection for thebest user experience.

Of note, the present disclosure for intelligent monitoring is notlimited to the distributed Wi-Fi system 10 but contemplates any of theWi-Fi networks 10, 30, 32, 33, with monitoring through the cloud 12. Forexample, different vendors can make access points 14, 34, mesh nodes 36,repeaters 38, etc. However, it is possible for unified control via thecloud using standardized techniques for communication with the cloud 12.One such example includes OpenSync, sponsored by the Applicant of thepresent disclosure and described at www.opensync.io/documentation.OpenSync is cloud-agnostic open-source software for the delivery,curation, and management of services for the modern home. That is, thisprovides standardization of the communication between devices and thecloud 12. OpenSync acts as silicon, Customer Premises Equipment (CPE),and cloud-agnostic connection between the in-home hardware devices andthe cloud 12. This is used to collect measurements and statistics fromthe connected Wi-Fi client devices 16 and network management elements,and to enable customized connectivity services.

Cloud-Based Wi-Fi Management

Conventional Wi-Fi systems utilize local management, such as where auser on the Wi-Fi network connects to a designated address (e.g.,192.168.1.1, etc.). The distributed Wi-Fi system 10 is configured forcloud-based management via the servers 20 in the cloud 12. Also, thesingle access point system 30, the Wi-Fi mesh network 32, and the Wi-Firepeater network 33 can support cloud-based management as describedabove. For example, the APs 34 and/or the mesh nodes 36 can beconfigured to communicate with the servers 20 in the cloud 12. Thisconfiguration can be through a software agent installed in each deviceor the like, e.g., OpenSync. As described herein, cloud-based managementincludes reporting of Wi-Fi related performance metrics to the cloud 12as well as receiving Wi-Fi-related configuration parameters from thecloud 12. The systems and methods contemplate use with any Wi-Fi system(i.e., the distributed Wi-Fi system 10, the single access point system30, the Wi-Fi mesh network 32, and the Wi-Fi repeater network 33, etc.),including systems that only support reporting of Wi-Fi relatedperformance metrics (and not supporting cloud-based configuration).

The cloud 12 utilizes cloud computing systems and methods abstract awayphysical servers, storage, networking, etc. and instead offer these ason-demand and elastic resources. The National Institute of Standards andTechnology (NIST) provides a concise and specific definition whichstates cloud computing is a model for enabling convenient, on-demandnetwork access to a shared pool of configurable computing resources(e.g., networks, servers, storage, applications, and services) that canbe rapidly provisioned and released with minimal management effort orservice provider interaction. Cloud computing differs from the classicclient-server model by providing applications from a server that areexecuted and managed by a client's web browser or the like, with noinstalled client version of an application required. Centralizationgives cloud service providers complete control over the versions of thebrowser-based and other applications provided to clients, which removesthe need for version upgrades or license management on individual clientcomputing devices. The phrase SaaS is sometimes used to describeapplication programs offered through cloud computing. A common shorthandfor a provided cloud computing service (or even an aggregation of allexisting cloud services) is “the cloud.”

Access Point

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of functional components of the access point14, 34, 36, 38. The access point 14 includes a physical form factor 100which contains a processor 102, a plurality of radios 104, a localinterface 106, a data store 108, a network interface 110, and power 112.It should be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that FIG.3 depicts the access point 14 in an oversimplified manner, and apractical embodiment may include additional components and suitablyconfigured processing logic to support features described herein orknown or conventional operating features that are not described indetail herein.

In an exemplary embodiment, the form factor 100 is a compact physicalimplementation where the access point 14 directly plugs into anelectrical socket and is physically supported by the electrical plugconnected to the electrical socket. This compact physical implementationis ideal for a large number of access points 14 distributed throughout aresidence. The processor 102 is a hardware device for executing softwareinstructions. The processor 102 can be any custom made or commerciallyavailable processor, a central processing unit (CPU), an auxiliaryprocessor among several processors associated with the mobile device300, a semiconductor-based microprocessor (in the form of a microchip orchip set), or generally any device for executing software instructions.When the access point 14 is in operation, the processor 102 isconfigured to execute software stored within memory or the data store108, to communicate data to and from the memory or the data store 108,and to generally control operations of the access point 14 pursuant tothe software instructions. In an exemplary embodiment, the processor 102may include a mobile-optimized processor such as optimized for powerconsumption and mobile applications.

The radios 104 enable wireless communication in the distributed Wi-Fisystem 10. The radios 104 can operate according to the IEEE 802.11standard. The radios 104 include address, control, and/or dataconnections to enable appropriate communications on the distributedWi-Fi system 10. As described herein, the access point 14 includes aplurality of radios to support different links, i.e., backhaul links andclient links. The optimization 70 determines the configuration of theradios 104 such as bandwidth, channels, topology, etc. In an exemplaryembodiment, the access points 14 support dual-band operationsimultaneously operating 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz 2×2 MIMO 802.11b/g/n/acradios having operating bandwidths of 20/40 MHz for 2.4 GHz and 20/40/80MHz for 5 GHz. For example, the access points 14 can support IEEE802.11AC1200 gigabit Wi-Fi (300+867 Mbps).

The local interface 106 is configured for local communication to theaccess point 14 and can be either a wired connection or wirelessconnection such as Bluetooth or the like. Since the access points 14 areconfigured via the cloud 12, an onboarding process is required to firstestablish connectivity for a newly turned on access point 14. In anexemplary embodiment, the access points 14 can also include the localinterface 106 allowing connectivity to the user device 22 (or a Wi-Ficlient device 16) for onboarding to the distributed Wi-Fi system 10 suchas through an app on the user device 22. The data store 108 is used tostore data. The data store 108 may include any of volatile memoryelements (e.g., random access memory (RAM, such as DRAM, SRAM, SDRAM,and the like)), nonvolatile memory elements (e.g., ROM, hard drive,tape, CDROM, and the like), and combinations thereof. Moreover, the datastore 108 may incorporate electronic, magnetic, optical, and/or othertypes of storage media.

The network interface 110 provides wired connectivity to the accesspoint 14. The network interface 104 may be used to enable the accesspoint 14 communicate to the modem/router 18. Also, the network interface104 can be used to provide local connectivity to a Wi-Fi client device16 or user device 22. For example, wiring in a device to an access point14 can provide network access to a device which does not support Wi-Fi.In an exemplary embodiment, all of the access points 14 in thedistributed Wi-Fi system 10 include the network interface 110. Inanother exemplary embodiment, select access points 14 which connect tothe modem/router 18 or require local wired connections have the networkinterface 110. The network interface 110 may include, for example, anEthernet card or adapter (e.g., 10 BaseT, Fast Ethernet, GigabitEthernet, 10 GbE). The network interface 110 may include address,control, and/or data connections to enable appropriate communications onthe network.

The processor 102 and the data store 108 can include software and/orfirmware which essentially controls the operation of the access point14, data gathering and measurement control, data management, memorymanagement, and communication and control interfaces with the server 20via the cloud. The processor 102 and the data store 108 may beconfigured to implement the various processes, algorithms, methods,techniques, etc. described herein.

Cloud Server and User Device

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of functional components of the server 20, theWi-Fi client device 16, or the user device 22. FIG. 4 illustratesfunctional components which can form any of the Wi-Fi client device 16,the server 20, the user device 22, or any general processing device. Theserver 20 may be a digital computer that, in terms of hardwarearchitecture, generally includes a processor 202, input/output (I/O)interfaces 204, a network interface 206, a data store 208, and memory210. It should be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art thatFIG. 4 depicts the server 20 in an oversimplified manner, and apractical embodiment may include additional components and suitablyconfigured processing logic to support features described herein orknown or conventional operating features that are not described indetail herein.

The components (202, 204, 206, 208, and 210) are communicatively coupledvia a local interface 212. The local interface 212 may be, for example,but not limited to, one or more buses or other wired or wirelessconnections, as is known in the art. The local interface 212 may haveadditional elements, which are omitted for simplicity, such ascontrollers, buffers (caches), drivers, repeaters, and receivers, amongmany others, to enable communications. Further, the local interface 212may include address, control, and/or data connections to enableappropriate communications among the aforementioned components.

The processor 202 is a hardware device for executing softwareinstructions. The processor 202 may be any custom made or commerciallyavailable processor, a central processing unit (CPU), an auxiliaryprocessor among several processors associated with the server 20, asemiconductor-based microprocessor (in the form of a microchip or chipset), or generally any device for executing software instructions. Whenthe server 20 is in operation, the processor 202 is configured toexecute software stored within the memory 210, to communicate data toand from the memory 210, and to generally control operations of theserver 20 pursuant to the software instructions. The I/O interfaces 204may be used to receive user input from and/or for providing systemoutput to one or more devices or components. User input may be providedvia, for example, a keyboard, touchpad, and/or a mouse. System outputmay be provided via a display device and a printer (not shown). I/Ointerfaces 204 may include, for example, a serial port, a parallel port,a small computer system interface (SCSI), a serial ATA (SATA), a fibrechannel, Infiniband, iSCSI, a PCI Express interface (PCI-x), an infrared(IR) interface, a radio frequency (RF) interface, and/or a universalserial bus (USB) interface.

The network interface 206 may be used to enable the server 20 tocommunicate on a network, such as the cloud 12. The network interface206 may include, for example, an Ethernet card or adapter (e.g., 10BaseT, Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet, 10 GbE) or a wireless local areanetwork (WLAN) card or adapter (e.g., 802.11a/b/g/n/ac). The networkinterface 206 may include address, control, and/or data connections toenable appropriate communications on the network. A data store 208 maybe used to store data. The data store 208 may include any of volatilememory elements (e.g., random access memory (RAM, such as DRAM, SRAM,SDRAM, and the like)), nonvolatile memory elements (e.g., ROM, harddrive, tape, CDROM, and the like), and combinations thereof. Moreover,the data store 208 may incorporate electronic, magnetic, optical, and/orother types of storage media. In one example, the data store 208 may belocated internal to the server 20 such as, for example, an internal harddrive connected to the local interface 212 in the server 20.Additionally, in another embodiment, the data store 208 may be locatedexternal to the server 20 such as, for example, an external hard driveconnected to the I/O interfaces 204 (e.g., SCSI or USB connection). In afurther embodiment, the data store 208 may be connected to the server 20through a network, such as, for example, a network attached file server.

The memory 210 may include any of volatile memory elements (e.g., randomaccess memory (RAM, such as DRAM, SRAM, SDRAM, etc.)), nonvolatilememory elements (e.g., ROM, hard drive, tape, CDROM, etc.), andcombinations thereof. Moreover, the memory 210 may incorporateelectronic, magnetic, optical, and/or other types of storage media. Notethat the memory 210 may have a distributed architecture, where variouscomponents are situated remotely from one another but can be accessed bythe processor 202. The software in memory 210 may include one or moresoftware programs, each of which includes an ordered listing ofexecutable instructions for implementing logical functions. The softwarein the memory 210 includes a suitable operating system (O/S) 214 and oneor more programs 216. The operating system 214 essentially controls theexecution of other computer programs, such as the one or more programs216, and provides scheduling, input-output control, file and datamanagement, memory management, and communication control and relatedservices. The one or more programs 216 may be configured to implementthe various processes, algorithms, methods, techniques, etc. describedherein.

Definitions

Again, the present disclosure relates to detection of parallel operatingWi-Fi networks. Specifically, the objective is to identify paralleloperating Wi-Fi networks to remove one of the networks or access pointsto improve performance. The following terminology is utilized herein.

Evil twin is another Wi-Fi network, operating in parallel at the samelocation, with the same SSID. Here, the location can be a residence.There is a Wi-Fi network of interest installed (a “new” Wi-Fi network)and there is another Wi-Fi network that is operating in parallel (a“parallel” Wi-Fi network or the evil twin. Each of these Wi-Fi networkscan be any of the Wi-Fi networks 10, 30, 32, 33. For example, the eviltwin can be the Wi-Fi network 30, and the new Wi-Fi network can be theWi-Fi network 10, 32, 33, etc. Other embodiments are contemplated. Thetypical case here is the parallel Wi-Fi network is operating, such asintegrated with the modem/router 18 or another configuration. Theparallel Wi-Fi network is typically installed by a service provider(e.g., cable company). The new Wi-Fi network is typically installedlater, i.e., an upgrade. Again, a typical use case is the owner installsthe new Wi-Fi network to upgrade or provide better coverage. As such,this is typically a multi-access point configuration, such as any of theWi-Fi networks 10, 32, 33. For convenience, users typically add the newWi-Fi network with an existing SSID as this reduces configuration of theWi-Fi client devices 16. Disadvantageously, often users leave theparallel Wi-Fi network as-is leading to performance issues, namely twoparallel Wi-Fi networks operating at the same location (residence).

An evil brother is an access point 14, 34, 36, 38 that is operating at asame location as a new Wi-Fi network, but with a different SSID. Theevil brother can be a single access point or an entirely separate Wi-Finetwork. That is, the evil brother is the same as the evil twin exceptthat it has a separate SSID. A use case here can be where the new Wi-Finetwork is added after the fact with a different SSID from the parallelnetwork.

Thus, an evil twin is a parallel Wi-Fi network or a parallel accesspoint operating at a same location as a new Wi-Fi network with the sameSSID. An evil brother is a parallel Wi-Fi network or parallel accesspoint operating at a same location as the new Wi-Fi network with adifferent SSID. The new Wi-Fi network is referred to as “new” because ithas been added after the parallel network, presumably for an upgrade.

Finally, a lonely network is a result of having the parallel Wi-Finetwork or parallel access point at the same location. That is a lonelyis a new Wi-Fi network with zero or very few Wi-Fi client devices 16,presumably because many other devices are on a parallel network.

Of course, there is no need to operate parallel Wi-Fi networks at thesame location. The objective of the present disclosure is to providetechniques for identifying the parallel networks for the purpose ofremediation, specifically removing, turning off, and/or decommissioningthe parallel networks.

Parallel Network Detection and Resolution

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a parallel network detection and resolutionprocess 300. The parallel network detection process 300 contemplatesimplementation as a method with steps, via a server 200 or the like witha processor configured to implement the steps, and via a non-transitorycomputer-readable medium having computer readable code stored thereonfor programming a processor to perform the steps.

The steps include, subsequent to installing a new Wi-Fi network at alocation, detecting whether there is a parallel Wi-Fi network or aparallel Wi-Fi access point operating at the location with the newnetwork (step 302); and responsive to detecting the parallel Wi-Finetwork or the parallel Wi-Fi access point operating, performing one ormore of causing resolution of the parallel Wi-Fi network or the parallelWi-Fi access point and providing a notification to a user associatedwith the location based on the detecting (step 304). The steps canfurther include determining a type of the parallel Wi-Fi network or theparallel Wi-Fi access point, wherein the resolution is based on the typeand the notification includes the type (step 306). The type can be asame SSID, a different SSID, an evil twin, an evil brother, etc.

The steps can further include performing the detecting responsive to anyof interference, initial turn up of the new Wi-Fi network, and anycommunication from the user including a phone call, a mobile applicationmessage to customer support, an email message, a response to a survey,and an in-person communication with an on-site technician (step 308).That is, the process 300 can be implemented automatically, e.g., at theinitial turn up of the new Wi-Fi network, as well as in response toproblems, e.g., interference, the customer service call, etc.

The notification can include details for the user to turn off theparallel Wi-Fi network or the parallel Wi-Fi access point. Thenotification can include details for the user to remove profiles for theparallel Wi-Fi network or the parallel Wi-Fi access point in Wi-Ficlient devices at the location. That is, the resolution flow of theprocess 300 is to remove the parallel network to prevent any issues.That is, to notify a customer to turn off the parallel network, tonotify the customer to remove profiles for parallel network from alldevices at the location, to notify the carrier to disable the parallelnetwork, to notify the carrier to contact customer to take action, andthe like.

In an embodiment, the parallel Wi-Fi network or the parallel Wi-Fiaccess point has a same Service Set Identifier (SSID) as the newnetwork. The detecting can be based on an access point in the new Wi-Finetwork detecting another access point that is not part of the new Wi-Finetwork but that has the same SSID. The detecting can be based ondetecting Wi-Fi client devices disappearing and reappearing on the newWi-Fi network, with at least some of the Wi-Fi client devices beingnon-mobile devices. Also, the detecting can be based on a combination ofan access point in the new Wi-Fi network detecting another access pointthat is not part of the new Wi-Fi network but that has the same SSID,and detecting Wi-Fi client devices disappearing and reappearing on thenew Wi-Fi network, with at least some of the Wi-Fi client devices beingnon-mobile devices.

In another embodiment, the parallel Wi-Fi network or the parallel Wi-Fiaccess point has a different Service Set Identifier (SSID) as the newnetwork. The detecting can be based on an access point in the new Wi-Finetwork detecting another access point that is not part of the new Wi-Finetwork having a strong signal indicative of being at the same location.The detecting can be based on detecting Wi-Fi client devicesdisappearing and reappearing on the new Wi-Fi network, with at leastsome of the Wi-Fi client devices being non-mobile devices. Also, thedetecting can be based on a combination of an access point in the newWi-Fi network detecting another access point that is not part of the newWi-Fi network having a strong signal indicative of being at the samelocation, and detecting Wi-Fi client devices disappearing andreappearing on the new Wi-Fi network, with at least some of the Wi-Ficlient devices being non-mobile devices.

The process 300 can be performed by a controller communicatively coupledto the new Wi-Fi network via the Internet.

Parallel Network Resolution Flow

The objective of the process 300 is detection and resolution of anyparallel network, i.e., the parallel Wi-Fi network or the parallel Wi-Fiaccess point. The resolution can include directly shutting off theparallel network, notifying the customer to turn off parallel network,notifying the customer to remove profiles for parallel network fromdevices in home, notifying the carrier to disable the parallel network,notifying the carrier to contact customer to take action, and the like.Also, there can be a post step of checking that the issue has beenresolved at a later time. This can include performing the process 300 todetect if there is still a parallel network.

As mentioned above, the process 300 can be implemented remotely such asin the cloud 12. The output of the process 300 can include notificationsto the customer (i.e., the end user of the new Wi-Fi network) as well asthe carrier (i.e., a service provider providing Internet access to theend user). Various different approaches for resolution are contemplatedincluding actions by the end user, by the carrier, etc.

Alarms, Dashboards, and Support

Commonly-assigned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/071,015, filedOct. 15, 2020, and entitled “Intelligent monitoring systems and methodsfor cloud-based Wi-Fi,” the contents of which are incorporated byreference in their entirety, describes various techniques forcloud-based Wi-Fi monitoring to alert, predict, and solve customerissues for service providers. The objectively of this monitoring is toimprove customer experience and proactively address issues with the goalof reducing customer churn. The parallel network described herein is oneexample of an issue that leads to poor Wi-Fi. The various techniquesdescribed herein are contemplated with the disclosure in U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 17/071,015. That is, the parallel network can be afactor in the Call in Rate (CIR) predictor, customer churn, Net PromoterScore (NPS) predictor, etc.

The process 300 can also be utilized with alarms and a dashboard forvisualization. For example, a Graphical User Interface (GUI) can providea dashboard showing prevalence across networks of homes with suspectedparallel networks (this can be part of the Monitor dashboard in U.S.patent application Ser. No. 17/071,015). The dashboard can include abreakdown by type, a listing of locations with issues (Alert), andsupport information. The listing of locations can be sorted or displayedby severity of type or severity of case as well as highlighting newnetworks that have just been discovered to have the issue.

The process 300 can also include support related features for thecarrier including highlighting there is a suspected parallel network inthe location in a Network Operations Center (NOC) display, prefilling aticket with information about the parallel network, actually entering aticket based on suspecting a parallel network, and the like.

It will be appreciated that some embodiments described herein mayinclude one or more generic or specialized processors (“one or moreprocessors”) such as microprocessors; Central Processing Units (CPUs);Digital Signal Processors (DSPs): customized processors such as NetworkProcessors (NPs) or Network Processing Units (NPUs), Graphics ProcessingUnits (GPUs), or the like; Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs); andthe like along with unique stored program instructions (including bothsoftware and firmware) for control thereof to implement, in conjunctionwith certain non-processor circuits, some, most, or all of the functionsof the methods and/or systems described herein. Alternatively, some orall functions may be implemented by a state machine that has no storedprogram instructions, or in one or more Application-Specific IntegratedCircuits (ASICs), in which each function or some combinations of certainof the functions are implemented as custom logic or circuitry. Ofcourse, a combination of the aforementioned approaches may be used. Forsome of the embodiments described herein, a corresponding device inhardware and optionally with software, firmware, and a combinationthereof can be referred to as “circuitry configured or adapted to,”“logic configured or adapted to,” etc. perform a set of operations,steps, methods, processes, algorithms, functions, techniques, etc. ondigital and/or analog signals as described herein for the variousembodiments.

Moreover, some embodiments may include a non-transitorycomputer-readable storage medium having computer readable code storedthereon for programming a computer, server, appliance, device,processor, circuit, etc. each of which may include a processor toperform functions as described and claimed herein. Examples of suchcomputer-readable storage mediums include, but are not limited to, ahard disk, an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, a ROM(Read Only Memory), a PROM (Programmable Read Only Memory), an EPROM(Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), an EEPROM (ElectricallyErasable Programmable Read Only Memory), Flash memory, and the like.When stored in the non-transitory computer-readable medium, software caninclude instructions executable by a processor or device (e.g., any typeof programmable circuitry or logic) that, in response to such execution,cause a processor or the device to perform a set of operations, steps,methods, processes, algorithms, functions, techniques, etc. as describedherein for the various embodiments.

Although the present disclosure has been illustrated and describedherein with reference to preferred embodiments and specific examplesthereof, it will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in theart that other embodiments and examples may perform similar functionsand/or achieve like results. All such equivalent embodiments andexamples are within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, arecontemplated thereby, and are intended to be covered by the followingclaims. Moreover, it is noted that the various elements, operations,steps, methods, processes, algorithms, functions, techniques, etc.described herein can be used in any and all combinations with eachother.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method comprising: operating a new Wi-Finetwork at a location; analyzing Wi-Fi at the location; determiningwhether there is a parallel Wi-Fi network or a parallel Wi-Fi accesspoint operating at the location with the new Wi-Fi network based on theanalyzing; causing, responsive to determining there is the parallelWi-Fi network or the parallel Wi-Fi access point at the location,resolution of the parallel Wi-Fi network or the parallel Wi-Fi accesspoint; removing, upon causing the resolution, the parallel Wi-Fi networkor the parallel Wi-Fi access point, such that a profile for the parallelWi-Fi network or the parallel Wi-Fi access point is removed for thelocation, the removal comprising decommissioning the parallel Wi-Finetwork or a network provided by the parallel Wi-Fi access point; andproviding a notification to a device of a user associated with thelocation, the notification including information related to thedetermination and removal of the parallel Wi-Fi network or the parallelWi-Fi access point.
 2. The method of claim 1, further comprisingdetermining a type of the parallel Wi-Fi network or the parallel Wi-Fiaccess point, wherein the resolution is based on the type and thenotification includes the type.
 3. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising performing the determining responsive to any of interference,initial turn up of the new Wi-Fi network, and any communication from theuser including a phone call, a mobile application message to customersupport, an email message, a response to a survey, and an in-personcommunication with an on-site technician.
 4. The method of claim 1,further comprising performing the determining responsive to detectingthe new Wi-Fi network has zero or very few Wi-Fi client devicesconnected thereto, presumably because the Wi-Fi client devices are onthe parallel Wi-Fi network or the parallel Wi-Fi access point.
 5. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the notification includes details for theuser to turn off the parallel Wi-Fi network or the parallel Wi-Fi accesspoint.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the resolution includesdisabling the parallel Wi-Fi network or the parallel Wi-Fi access pointremotely.
 7. The method of claim 1, further comprising providing adashboard that displays locations where the parallel Wi-Fi network orthe parallel Wi-Fi access point have been detected.
 8. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the parallel Wi-Fi network or the parallel Wi-Fi accesspoint has a same Service Set Identifier (SSID) as the new Wi-Fi network.9. The method of claim 1, wherein the parallel Wi-Fi network or theparallel Wi-Fi access point has a different Service Set Identifier(SSID) as the new Wi-Fi network.
 10. The method of claim 1, wherein themethod is performed by a controller communicatively coupled to the newWi-Fi network via the Internet.
 11. A controller comprising: a networkinterface, one or more processors, and memory comprising instructionsthat, when executed, cause the one or more processors to: responsive tooperation of a new Wi-Fi network at a location, analyze Wi-Fi at thelocation; determine whether there is a parallel Wi-Fi network or aparallel Wi-Fi access point operating at the location with the new Wi-Finetwork based on the analyzing; cause, responsive to determining thereis the parallel Wi-Fi network or the parallel Wi-Fi access point at thelocation, resolution of the parallel Wi-Fi network or the parallel Wi-Fiaccess point; remove, upon causing the resolution, the parallel Wi-Finetwork or the parallel Wi-Fi access point, such that a profile for theparallel Wi-Fi network or the parallel Wi-Fi access point is removed forthe location, the removal comprising decommissioning the parallel Wi-Finetwork or a network provided by the parallel Wi-Fi access point; andprovide a notification to a device of a user associated with thelocation, the notification including information related to thedetermination and removal of the parallel Wi-Fi network or the parallelWi-Fi access point.
 12. The controller of claim 11, wherein theinstructions that, when executed, cause the one or more processors to:determine a type of the parallel Wi-Fi network or the parallel Wi-Fiaccess point, wherein the resolution is based on the type and thenotification includes the type.
 13. The controller of claim 11, whereinthe instructions that, when executed, cause the one or more processorsto: perform the determination responsive to any of interference, initialturn up of the new Wi-Fi network, and any communication from the userincluding a phone call, a mobile application message to customersupport, an email message, a response to a survey, and an in-personcommunication with an on-site technician.
 14. The controller of claim11, wherein the instructions that, when executed, cause the one or moreprocessors to: performing the determination responsive to detecting thenew Wi-Fi network has zero or very few Wi-Fi client devices connectedthereto, presumably because the Wi-Fi client devices are on the parallelWi-Fi network or the parallel Wi-Fi access point.
 15. The controller ofclaim 11, wherein the notification includes details for the user to turnoff the parallel Wi-Fi network or the parallel Wi-Fi access point. 16.The controller of claim 11, wherein the resolution includes disablingthe parallel Wi-Fi network or the parallel Wi-Fi access point remotely.17. The controller of claim 11, wherein the instructions that, whenexecuted, cause the one or more processors to: provide a dashboard thatdisplays locations where the parallel Wi-Fi network or the parallelWi-Fi access point have been detected.
 18. The controller of claim 11,wherein the parallel Wi-Fi network or the parallel Wi-Fi access pointhas a same Service Set Identifier (SSID) as the new Wi-Fi network. 19.The controller of claim 11, wherein the parallel Wi-Fi network or theparallel Wi-Fi access point has a different Service Set Identifier(SSID) as the new Wi-Fi network.
 20. The controller of claim 11, whereinthe determination is different depending on whether the parallel Wi-Finetwork or the parallel Wi-Fi access point have a same or differentService Set Identifier (SSID) as the new Wi-Fi network.